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What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) is a popular procedure for men with abnormal development of mammary glands resulting in breast enlargement. Dr. Rivela has performed many Gynecomastia surgical procedures. Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) can be the result of heredity, disease, use of certain drugs, or hormonal changes. It is common in men of all ages and can be detrimental to self-confidence and often causes emotional distress. Many men with this condition avoid certain physical activities that require removing their shirts and often find physical intimacy to be a problem. Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) may be present in either one or both of the breasts.
Characteristics of Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) are:
- An excess of localized fat
- An excess of glandular tissue development
- A combination of localized fat and glandular tissue development and excess skin
Your Gynecomastia Consultation with Dr. Rivela
A one-on-one, personal consultation with Dr. Rivela is your time to ask and answer questions. Complete disclosure during the consultation is important for devising a procedural plan tailor-made for you.
Be ready to discuss:
- Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
- Expectations and desired outcome
- Available options
- All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that you are currently taking or using
- Previous surgical history
Dr. Rivela may also:
- Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
- Discuss likely outcome, risks, and potential complications associated with your surgery
If your condition is caused primarily by fatty tissue, liposuction is most likely the procedure of choice to re-sculpt bulging breasts into more attractive contours by removing unwanted localized deposits of fat cells. Additional skin removal may be required for extremely large conditions.
Who is a Candidate for Gynecomastia?
You may be a good candidate for Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) if you are:
- Within the normal weight range
- Physically healthy
- Have realistic expectations
- A non-smoker and does not use drugs
- Bothered by feeling that your breasts appear too large
Adolescents may benefit from male breast reduction if breast development has stabilized but may require secondary procedures in the future should breasts further develop.
Your Gynecomastia Procedure
Dr. Rivela performs male breast reduction on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Depending upon the extent of correction, the procedure usually takes between 1-3 hours and is performed at either a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
Anesthesia: General
Location of operation: Hospital or surgery center
Length of surgery: 1-3 hours
Length of stay: Outpatient
Your Gynecomastia Procedure Recovery
Discomfort After: After surgery, you may expect moderate to severe pain requiring the use of prescription pain medication for between 5-14 days.
Swelling and Bruising: You may expect swelling and bruising which will begin improving within a couple of weeks.
Bandages: Upon completion of your surgery, bandages will be placed with removal taking place in 1-7 days. A support garment will need to be worn for a couple of weeks after surgery and if drains are placed, they will be removed in 7-10 days.
Work: You may return to work in 5-7 days.
Exercise: You are instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks after your procedure.
Driving: As long as you have discontinued pain medication, driving may be resumed in two weeks.
Final result: Final results will be seen anywhere from six months to a year after the scars have matured.
